Wine Tours Come Home On U.S. Wine Trails
Wine tours have long been popular excursions for wine lovers and those who enjoy beautiful, lush scenery. But no longer will you need to travel to France or Napa Valley for a wine tour getaway, as specialty wine trails in just about every state are catering to wine travel fans. The United States has over 6000 wineries, with at least one in every state. Many states boast specialty wine regions, with clusters of wineries grouped together in close proximity for an ideal weekend getaway.
These small independent wineries are typically grouped only a few miles apart, making it easy to visit several over the course of a day or two. In addition to beautiful scenic countryside, you’ll be able to taste some of America’s finest new award winning wines, produced by master winemakers.
A wine trail is usually designated by a state’s tourism commission, with signs and routes marked for easy navigation. Since wine making is both art and science, you’ll experience different offerings and tastes at each winery. The spirit of entrepreneurship and passion for excellence is evident when you visit, and the experience of tasting new wine is an enjoyable experience to share with friends.
Although the traditional wine producting states like California, Washington, and Oregon are usually in the forefront of wine lover’s minds, other states are catching up fast. With groups of wineries scattered all over the U.S., there are options galore for those seeking a wine travel experience. Almost two dozen states have officially designated at least one wine trail. We expect the trend to continue as state tourism boards learn more about wine travel and wine related tourism.
Another example is Missouri, where there are 75 wineries, many with their wine making roots going back 150 years. These midwestern states, along with many in the eastern part of the U.S., are the forefathers of the American wine industry. There are many largely undiscovered treasures that await in dozens of other states as well.
Most wine trails are small and compact enough to allow reasonable drive times. Wineries are usually clustered within 15-20 minutes of one another. Also, you’ll find many comfortable inns, bed and breakfasts, and local attractions along the wine trails. Most wineries are open year around, but of course it’s best to call or check on the web.
We always bring an open mind when exploring new wine trails. With thousands of grape varieties, it stands to reason there are almost as many wine styles. These small independent wineries enjoy bringing you a new twist on an old favorite, so leave any preconceptions at home. Each region generally offers local specialties, so open your palate and you may discover a new favorite!
Whenever we travel a wine trail, we always add in an overnight stay. This allows us to relax and enjoy wine as it was meant to be enjoyed. It’s particularly enjoyable to try local restaurants and their regional specialties. You’ll even be able to break up the wineries into two seperate days, which will help keep you and your palate sharp.
No matter the season, wine travel is a highly enjoyable and educational weekend getaway. You’ll experience new wines, historic small towns, and local food and culture. No matter where you live, chances are good there’s a wine trail within a few hours drive. These small friendly wineries are just waiting to share their handcrafted wines with you. Cheers!